Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study aims to explore the clinical efficacy of fire-needle warming therapy in managing knee osteoarthritis attributed to cold-dampness patterns. Specifically, it evaluates the therapy's influence on interleukin-1β (IL-1β) serum concentrations and matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3). METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 80 patients treated for knee osteoarthritis from September 2023 to February 2024. Patients were divided into two groups: 40 received electroacupuncture, and 40 received fire acupuncture combined with warming techniques. The primary outcome measures included treatment efficacy, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores, compare the changes in IL-1β and MMP-3 levels in serum and synovial fluid between two groups, and compare the total knee joint X-ray scores between the two groups: pain levels and knee joint function. Adverse reactions were also recorded. RESULTS: The fire acupuncture group had a significantly higher treatment efficacy rate (92.5%) compared to the electroacupuncture group (75%, P < 0.05). Both groups showed significant reductions in WOMAC scores post-treatment, with a greater reduction in the fire acupuncture group (P < 0.05). Serum levels of IL-1β and MMP-3 decreased significantly in both groups, with a more pronounced decrease in the fire acupuncture group (P < 0.05). After 4 weeks of intervention and 8 weeks of follow-up, the levels of IL-1β and MMP-3 in the synovial fluid of the fire needle group and the electroacupuncture group were significantly reduced (P < 0.05), and the fire needle group was significantly lower than the electroacupuncture group (P < 0.05). Pain and knee function scores improved significantly in both groups, with the fire acupuncture group showing greater improvements (P < 0.05). After 4 weeks of intervention and 8 weeks of follow-up, the total joint X-ray scores of the fire needle group and the electroacupuncture group were significantly reduced (P < 0.05), and the fire needle group was significantly lower than the electroacupuncture group (P < 0.05). The adverse reaction rate was lower in the fire acupuncture group (5%) compared to the electroacupuncture group (20%, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Fire-needle warming therapy demonstrates significant clinical efficacy in treating knee osteoarthritis of the cold-dampness type. It effectively reduces inflammation and pain and improves knee function, suggesting its potential for broader clinical application. Further research is recommended to confirm these findings. Key Points • Fire needle acupuncture for knee osteoarthritis: Fire needle acupuncture is highly effective in treating cold-dampness arthralgia-type knee osteoarthritis by promoting blood circulation, enhancing metabolism, and reducing inflammation. • Clinical and biochemical outcomes: Patients receiving fire needle acupuncture showed significantly better clinical outcomes, including lower pain scores, improved knee function, and decreased serum levels of IL-1β and MMP-3 compared to those receiving electroacupuncture. • Safety and efficacy: Fire needle acupuncture provides superior therapeutic effects and results in fewer adverse reactions compared to electroacupuncture, highlighting its safety and efficacy in clinical practice.